Was it a sign of disdain for having a humble individual next to the noble heir of their family?

She couldn’t bear her ignorance, smiling innocently.

“Stop talking nonsense and just leave. Nayoon.”

Even his coldly stern rejection didn’t provide comfort to Yeonwoo.

Ha. It’s really astounding. Behind the murmurs of Nayoon, the sound of the door closing with a bang was heard. It seemed like he pushed Nayoon aside, who had blocked his way, and entered inside.

······.

Yeonwoo still stood there as if rooted to the spot.
Following the sound of the closing door, it closed once again.

Finally, all the storms passed, and she was left alone.

Along with the gentle waves of the calm river, Yeonwoo’s heart began to sway, following the boat swaying gently.

Yeonwoo closed her eyes softly. Her head had been throbbing as if it would split.

She couldn’t gather the courage to organize the tangled emotions from now on.

“Ah, I can’t believe it.”

She felt disappointed and angry because of the tremendous fact she didn’t know about him, and yet, there was a faint sense of understanding.

However, then who should compensate for my shattered heart?

She felt uneasy. Everything seemed to waver like a boat on water.

Jing, Yeonwoo’s phone vibrated again. It was Joon-hwi’s call.

Now, she really had to go inside. Into the banquet hall, next to him.

To a place too extravagant for her.

Sorrow rushed in, mingling with bitterness. Sighs continued incessantly.

“Ugh······!”

The pitch-black night sky without even a single star felt more cruel. Yeonwoo slowly began wiping away the flowing tears.

“Where did you go? You weren’t outside.”

“Ah······. I just went to the bathroom.”

As soon as she returned to her seat, Joon-hwi pulled out a chair and asked, leaning forward. Yeonwoo fidgeted vaguely and faintly smiled.

“I’m sorry for constantly leaving my seat.”

Now, she wouldn’t be left alone. Warmth under the table touched the back of Yeonwoo’s hand.

“It’s okay.”

Avoiding Joon-hwi’s hand trying to find hers, Yeonwoo picked up the phone placed on the table. It seemed like an urgent contact, as she scrolled through a meaningless chat.

“After the fashion show ends, the fireworks display is next.”

“Yes. That’s right.”

The show seemed to be reaching its climax. The models showcased a more splendid and luxurious dress lineup than before.

Yeonwoo pretended to focus on the runway, sealing her lips. He, too, no longer disturbed her and directed his gaze to the stage.

Soon, the models who adorned today’s show came out together and decorated the finale. Petals and glittering confetti poured down onto the stage. The applause of the people erupted.

Along with the applause of others, Yeonwoo squeezed out strength she didn’t have and applauded.

Then, at intervals, her gaze fell on Nayoon, sitting at the front table in a stylish short hair. She remained as glamorous and confident as ever. Even just clapping her hands, her gestures were charming.

Thump. Once again, her heart fell into the abyss.

It seemed like you needed to be as beautiful and splendid as that to match Kwon Joon-hwi. Both in terms of family and profession, she was much more ordinary than herself.

That woman was also from LK Group, right? Her profession was a lawyer too. Then, their levels matched, and they could communicate well.

If they had discussions about marriage between families, how far did they go in preparing for the wedding? Did they even have an engagement ceremony, as seen in dramas?

‘Oh, please.’
Once the comparison had started, it continued to spread its branches, trying to drag Yeonwoo into the swamp of melancholy.

Enough, it’s all in the past. I’m the one who has his heart now.

······But no matter how hard she tried to compose herself, none of it felt satisfying. Instead, the overwhelming emotions threatened to surge.

Tears were about to well up again. Yeonwoo turned her head, desperately trying to think of something else.

“Kim Yeonwoo, pull yourself together. A perfect and wonderful man like him hasn’t met a woman even once, right?”

Thinking that way somehow made her feel a bit better.

Straightening her back and putting strength back into her slumped shoulders, Yeonwoo adjusted her posture.

“How was the fashion show? You were looking forward to it a lot.”

Today, Joon-hwi seemed unusually attentive to Yeonwoo’s reactions. It would have been better if he just stayed still in times like these.

“Well, I enjoyed it.”

“Is that all your commentary?”

“I don’t know much about watching fashion shows. I’ve never seen one.”

An answer lacking in courtesy slipped out unintentionally. However, whether Joon-hwi noticed Yeonwoo’s attitude or not, he flashed a smile that he seldom showed, even slightly.

“Then how about going to Paris later? To see a proper fashion show together.”

Even his questioning tone exuded warmth. But now, even Joon-hwi’s tender moments felt resentful.

Even his overflowing affection made her chest feel like it was about to burst.

If she didn’t know anything, the promised near future with him would have been colored with a rosy tint.

The crazy thoughts in Yeonwoo’s head, which had already jumped once, were filled only with worries like, ‘Did he promise such a modest future to that woman Nayoon as well?’

If this man, who was insensitive and gruff in everything, only showed affectionate gestures to me, and only to me, was that also an unfounded delusion?

The only person to Kwon Joon-hwi. That was her confidence.

Even the small advantage she held in this relationship was disappearing.

“Think about a trip to Paris. If Kim Yeonwoo wants to go, it’s possible anytime.”

As he spoke, the entire hall’s lights brightened. The interior, which had been dark due to the fashion show, became illuminated.

“Um, should we go outside?”

We need to find our place for the fireworks! Yeonwoo sprang up as if on a spring, pretending to tidy up her seat.

It was because she didn’t want the tear marks to show, thanks to the brightened lights.

The spacious deck was already crowded with people. Yeonwoo and Joon-hwi took a seat on the bench at the far end.

“The wind is chilly.”

He took off his tuxedo jacket and draped it over Yeonwoo’s shoulders. The fragrance wafted over without any resistance, enveloping Yeonwoo.

“The fireworks display is the last on the official schedule.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“After it’s over, change into comfortable clothes and come to my room.”

He stopped the motion of tearing at the fingertips. Yeonwoo cautiously lifted her face to meet his gaze.

“Or should I come to yours? To your room.”
How can I handle this? The confusion and my future self.

“······Well, I don’t know.”